September 21, 2015

Date: September 21-23, 2015

Water bodies in the form of lakes, ponds, tanks and wetlands are an integral part of the hydrological cycle. Properly managed lakes in urban areas have an important role as a source of water supply, controlling run-off and groundwater recharge. These water bodies also host a wide variety of flora and fauna, provide recreation spaces and improve micro climate in the built environment. With rapid urbanization and expansion of city boundaries, a number of lakes in urban areas are facing issues of over exploitation, encroachment, discharge of industrial effluents /domestic sewage and uncontrolled siltation. This results in the destruction of the water body and its catchment area. For prevention of pollution, conservation and restoration of lakes, the government has come up with different policies and acts.

The fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution of India Article 51 a – states ‘it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures’. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella Act under which the Central Government can notify steps to be taken by states for ensuring protection, conservation of the environment, including lakes and other bodies.

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) plays an important role in the restoration of lakes/water bodies in India. MoEF has formulated the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) and developed guidelines in 2008. In the 12th five year plan, one of the main strategic attention is towards the restoration of 0.1 million ha. of wetlands/inland lakes and water bodies by 2017. The emphasis is on sustainable solutions towards revival and protection of water bodies and recharging ground water.

Ministry of Urban Development has also taken steps for prevention of pollution, conservation and restoration of lakes in urban areas. In 2013, the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO), the technical wing of the Ministry, has come up with an advisory on conservation and restoration of water bodies.

About the Training Programme

Aim: Capacity enhancement of city officials on conservation, restoration and management of lakes for water and environmental sustainability in urban areas.

Develop skills in mapping of lake (and its catchment) and cleaning of urban lakes.

Understanding of lakes as a source of urban water supply and groundwater recharge.

Update on existing and upcoming policies/guidelines/reforms on urban lake management and the way forward

Awareness on potential and benefits of conservation, restoration and management of lakes

Target Groups: City officials from urban local bodies, development authorities, water supply and sewerage boards and public health department (from target states) involved in conserving, restoring and management of water bodies, planning and management actions for wise use of lakes and water bodies aimed at achieving healthy and sustainable urban development.

Participation of faculty/trainer/ researcher from Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies; other Centre of Excellence and officials of – TCPO, NIUA, CPWD, NCR Planning Board and HUDCO is encouraged by Ministry of Urban Development to also take benefit from the training programme.

“The training was relevant to my work and will definitely take it forward by implementing the topics/techniques covered in the course. Also there is a need for all the urban local bodies, environmental departments and drainage departments to undergo this course/training”

“The training programme was very useful. CSE should move ahead and arrange an advanced level of training and e-learning courses on ‘Urban lake management’ with topics on ‘how to increase the water table in lakes and catchment area’ also covered”

“The objective achieved from the training was how to revive the polluted urban lakes. I recommend engineers of civil bodies/government bodies to attend the course and gain knowledge and awareness about lake management”

October 05, 2017

October 03, 2017

“The training was relevant to my work and will definitely take it forward by implementing the topics/techniques covered in the course. Also there is a need for all the urban local bodies, environmental departments and drainage departments to undergo this course/training”

“The training programme was very useful. CSE should move ahead and arrange an advanced level of training and e-learning courses on ‘Urban lake management’ with topics on ‘how to increase the water table in lakes and catchment area’ also covered”

“The objective achieved from the training was how to revive the polluted urban lakes. I recommend engineers of civil bodies/government bodies to attend the course and gain knowledge and awareness about lake management”